European sales 2013 Small SUV segment

The small crossover/SUV segment in Europe is the fastest growing segment, growing an astonishing 81% without really cannibalizing on the subcompact, compact, or small MPV segments.

New entrants have made big waves in this dynamic segment, and while the Nissan Juke has taken the 2013 top spot from the aging Dacia Duster, 2014 is likely to show a new leader again, as the Renault Captur has outsold the Juke by more than 50% in the last three months of 2013.

The Peugeot 2008 has its eyes on the second spot of the podium, leaving the Nissan Juke, Dacia Duster and Opel/Vauxhall Mokka to fight for places three, four and five. The Duster will be facelifted in 2014, and will receive more fuel efficient engines as well, which should help it stabilize its sales this year.

Looking at the ranking for just the last three months of 2013, when all models were in full supply, the Captur was the leader by far with over 36.000 sales, ahead of the 2008 with just over 30.000 sales. The Duster clocks almost 25.000 sales and the Juke close to 23.000. The Mokka is left far behind, with less than 17.000 units, half of the Captur.

Its twin cousin, the Chevrolet Trax sold even less than half of that tally, and considering the retreat of Chevrolet from the European market, it’s not likely to become a threat to the other models.

The Suzuki SX4 has been replaced in most markets by the larger S-Cross midsized SUV, but Suzuki will sell both models besides each other in some markets, where the SX4 has been popular. Its twin Fiat Sedici will be replaced by a small crossover based on the Panda, but this model won’t hit showrooms before 2015.

Fiat will introduce the 500X first, this is a crossover based on a Jeep platform with styling cues from the Fiat 500 and 500L, which will enter European showrooms in the second half of this year.

Ford will introduce its Ecosport small crossover in Europe this year. It has been designed specifically for markets like India and South America, where it is already successfully competing with the Duster. It may not be as refined as some of its European competitors, but that hasn’t hurt the Duster either. The spare wheel on the rear door is supposed to make the car look tougher, but in reality it looks like the school nerd with an enormous backpack.

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About Bart Demandt

Bart is a 36-year old Dutchman who's always had a thing for cars, the automotive industry and statistics. He’s combined these passions by writing about them on CarSalesBase.com. His daily driver is an Alfa Romeo GT 3.2 V6 which he just can't seem to say goodbye to thanks to the mesmerizing exhaust note.
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